Pub fund boost in bid to help diversification

A BURTON-based brewing giant has donated cash to help support an organisation which helps pubs to diversify.

Marston’s, based in Shobnall Road, handed the money to the group known as Pub Is The Hub.

The community fund helps pubs take on other services, such as a post office or shop.

Marston’s chief executive Ralph Findlay said: “The initiative continues to focus on some of the great work innovative tenants, lessees and freehouses are doing in a fast-changing pub market.”

Established in April 2013, Pub is The Hub was set up to help UK pubs to diversify into new services provision for their own communities.

In launching the fund, the organisation recognises that good licensees today can work with the public, private and voluntary sector to improve the economy in the areas they serve.

Licensees can apply for funds up to £4,000 per project, providing it meets the right criteria in providing additional essential services for the benefit of its community.

Pub is The Hub has worked with licensees to open 100 post offices, 125 shops, 30 computer training centres, provision for allotments, play areas, libraries, school meals, local cinemas.

In the region of 40 pubs are also being run by their own local community.

John Longden, chief executive of Pub is The Hub, said: “We are thrilled to have the support and encouragement from Ralph Findlay and the Marston’s team.

“Their commitment to Pub is The Hub is testament to our simple philosophy of encouraging great licensees to provide additional services in their pub as the heart of its community.”

A spokesman for the group added: “Pub is The Hub acts as a guide – a sounding board, a source of advice, with a wealth of experience and local knowledge to support rural pubs and communities to reach common goals.”

“We also advise communities considering collective ownership partnerships and give them access to the advice they may need to save or maintain their local services involving the pub.

“As well as generating awareness and mobilising communities, we try to influence policy and practice in rural services and related public sectors.”

More information on the group is available at http://www.pubisthehub.org.uk